y on the patchwork counterpane of his bed and gazed at the
sky. He was feeling a little happier, a little less unsettled, for his
stomach was empty and his mind had begun to fix itself with pleasure on
the images of hot toast and jam. He `wanted his tea:' the manner in
which he glanced at his old silver watch proved that. He wished only
that before six o'clock struck he could settle upon the necessary
changes in his bedroom. A beautiful schooner, which for over a year,
with all sails spread, had awaited the breeze in a low dark corner to
the right of the window, would assuredly have to be dismissed to the
small, empty attic. Once that schooner had thrilled him; the slight
rake of its masts and the knotted reality of its rigging had thrilled
him; and to navigate it had promised the most delicious sensations
conceivable. Now, one moment it was a toy as silly as a doll, and the
next moment it thrilled him once more, and he could believe again its
promises of bliss--and then he knew that it was for ever a vain toy, and
he was sad, and his sadness was pleasure. He had already stacked most
of his school-books in the other attic. He would need a table and a
lamp; he knew not for what precise purpose; but a table and a lamp were
necessary to the continuance of his self-respect. The only question
was, Should he remodel his bedroom, or should he demand the other attic,
and plant his flag in it and rule over it in addition to his bedroom?
Had he the initiative and the energy to carry out such an enterprise?
He was not able to make up his mind. And, moreover, he could not decide
anything until after that plain talk with his father.

His sister Clara's high voice sounded outside, on the landing, or
half-way up the attic stairs.

"Ed-win! Ed-win!"

"What's up?" he called in answer, rising with a nervous start. The door
of the room was unlatched.

"You're mighty mysterious in your bedroom," said Clara's voice behind
the door.

"Come in! Come in! Why don't you come in?" he replied, with
good-natured impatience. But somehow he could not speak in a natural
tone. The mere fact that he had left school that day and that the world
awaited him, and that everybody in the house knew this, rendered him
self-conscious.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

THREE.

Clara entered, with a curious sidelong movement, half-winning and
half-serpentine. She was aged fourteen, a very fair and